Prosecutors in Md. charge man in Census Bureau guard's death

A man accused of killing a U.S. Census Bureau guard during a crime spree in and around the Washington, D.C., area has been charged with murder and other federal offenses, prosecutors said.

Ronald Anderson was charged in a criminal complaint on Friday in the April 9 abduction, chase and gunfire that killed Lawrence Buckner.

The charges include kidnapping, murder, using and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and causing death by use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

The U.S. attorney's office said Anderson, 48, could face the death penalty if convicted.

The criminal complaint offers details about what happened that differ from reports issued by police immediately following the chaotic crime spree.

According to the complaint, on April 9, Anderson kidnapped a woman and drove her to his apartment complex in Suitland, Maryland. The woman was able to escape and jump into a car driven by a second woman whom Anderson had asked to meet him there.

The two women drove away, and Anderson chased them, according to the complaint, which said the women pulled into Census Bureau headquarters because the driver knew armed guards were stationed there. They crashed into a light pole near Buckner and a second guard.

The complaint outlines the remaining sequence of events as follows:

Anderson pulled up behind the crashed car and got out, carrying a gun. He exchanged gunfire with Buckner, hitting the guard in the chest. Anderson then shot at a second security guard, but missed, before jumping back into his car and driving away. Buckner, 59, was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

In Washington, Metropolitan Police saw the suspect's car and began following Anderson, who fired several shots at them during the chase. When his car stopped, he continued to shoot at officers, who returned fire. Anderson was hit several times, and a police officer was struck in the leg.

Prosecutors say Anderson is still being treated for his unidentified injuries, and no appearances in federal court have been scheduled.

In addition to the murder charge, Anderson has been charged with kidnapping and assault on a police officer in the District.